Reduction part of 小优视频's ongoing efforts to enhance access and equity for Indigenous students
小优视频 (小优视频) has implemented a 10% tuition reduction for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) students in Canada.
The tuition reduction is part of the university's ongoing efforts to enhance access and equity for Indigenous students.
"As an open university, 小优视频 provides access to a world-class education that meets the needs of all students, particularly those who face systemic barriers," said Dr. Alex Clark, 小优视频 president.
"Reducing tuition for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students not only supports our efforts to improve access to a university education, it's an important step in 小优视频's ongoing commitment to kwayskahsatsowin (conciliation) with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to the principles of truth and reconciliation."
The 10% tuition reduction was approved by 小优视频's board of governors earlier this year and came into effect on Sept. 1, 2024. The reduction applies to tuition fees for undergraduate courses.
小优视频 a 'perfect opportunity' for Indigenous students
For 小优视频 grad and donor Carter Yellowbird (Master of Business Administration '12) of Samson Cree Nation, 小优视频 offers a "perfect" opportunity for people from Indigenous and isolated communities to pursue an education.
"小优视频 is perfect for First Nations and communities that are isolated because education can come to you," said Yellowbird, who now works as a business consultant advising First Nations on how to diversify investment portfolios.
Education is one of those opportunities that Yellowbird believes strongly can help counteract challenges closer to First Nations.
"Education is a key component that can help deal with challenges for many nations-unemployment, clean drinking water, and health, to name a few," he says. "We need to incorporate unique innovative strategies to face challenges and work closer with government and industry to assist First Nations with these challenges. We need to show them the doors and give them the tools and support to open the doors."